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V-241994

CAT III (Low)

Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security log size must be configured for domain connections.

Rule ID

SV-241994r922938_rule

STIG

Microsoft Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security Security Technical Implementation Guide

Version

V2R2

CCIs

CCI-000140

Discussion

A firewall provides a line of defense against attack. To be effective, it must be enabled and properly configured. The firewall log file size for a domain connection will be set to ensure enough capacity is allocated for audit data.

Check Content

If the system is not a member of a domain, the Domain Profile requirements can be marked NA.

If the system is a member of a domain and the firewall's Domain Profile is not enabled (see V-17415), this requirement is also a finding.

If the following policy-based registry value exists and is not configured as specified, this is a finding.

Registry Hive:  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
Registry Path:  \SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\WindowsFirewall\DomainProfile\Logging\

Value Name:  LogFileSize

Type:  REG_DWORD
Value:  0x00004000 (16384) (or greater)

If the policy-based registry value does not exist, verify the following registry value. If it is not configured as specified, this is a finding.

Registry Hive:  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
Registry Path:  \SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\SharedAccess\Parameters\FirewallPolicy\DomainProfile\Logging\

Value Name:  LogFileSize

Type:  REG_DWORD
Value:  0x00004000 (16384) (or greater)

Fix Text

The preferred method of configuring the firewall settings is with a policy, particularly in a domain environment.

Configure the policy value for Computer Configuration >> Windows Settings >> Security Settings >> Microsoft Defender Firewall with Advanced Security >> Microsoft Defender Firewall with Advanced Security >> Microsoft Defender Firewall Properties (this link will be in the right pane) >> Domain Profile tab >> Logging (select Customize), "Size limit (KB):" to "16,384" or greater.

In addition to using policies, systems may also be configured using the firewall GUI or Netsh commands. These methods may be more appropriate for standalone systems.

The configuration settings in the GUI are the same as those specified in the policy above. Microsoft Defender Firewall Properties will be a link in the center pane after opening Microsoft Defender Firewall with Advanced Security.

The following Netsh command may also be used to configure this setting:

"Netsh advfirewall set domainprofile logging maxfilesize 16384" or greater.